PAT GILLIS
Tell us about yourself.
My wife and I have lived in Stratham for 21 years, and all three children will have gone through the SAU from K-12 by Spring of 2022. We chose to live in Stratham when we started our family because of its school system. We love it here.
What are your key reasons for running as a candidate for budget advisory committee this year?
I am running for the BAC for several reasons. 1. I believe I have the skill set to ask pertinent questions and uncover areas where funds could potentially be deployed in a more efficient manner. 2. Now that my children have grown, I have the time and ability to serve my community. 3. I am concerned that the budget continues to increase, but the ranking and enrollment of the SAU is decreasing. I believe I can help uncover ways to combat this from a financial perspective.
The School District Budget is always heavily discussed and debated. What changes are necessary to the budget and the budget process if any?
There must be a better way to get the information out to the community in an easier to understand format vs. the current format. I am not sure what that way is yet, but hope to determine this when I am involved in the process. It is important that the community understand why a budget is supported or not by the BAC.
If elected, how will you ensure accountability and transparency in the budgeting process?
I will ask the questions that will hold the people crafting the budget accountable for the spending line items. I believe the purpose of the BAC is to understand and determine where the taxpayers’ dollars are being spent and make suggestions to the board the reasons why it is supported or not.
What particular experiences or skills do you have that makes you the most qualified candidate?
I have been a financial professional for 14 years. For the last 8 years, I have been an independent running my own practice. I work with business owners and individual’s financial plans and budgets every day.
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